Chiswick cancer survivor praises NHS

Ed Mayne of Park Road, Chiswick told a packed out hall how the "world-class" treatment he received on the NHS cured his cancer and saved his speech.

In a five minute talk, in front of hundreds of people, Ed told of how he was diagnosed with tongue cancer in January of this year, when only 22-years-old.

Within two weeks, NHS doctors at Charing cross Hospital had performed an operation which involved cutting out the left hand side of his tongue and replacing it with tissue, a vein and an artery from his left arm.

Speaking in the GMEX halls, Ed said: "Thankfully the operation was a complete success.

"My speech recovered quickly and, on my 23rd birthday in February, I was given the best present I'd had in years, the news that my cancer was gone.

"Doctors continue to monitor me, but I thank the NHS for effectively curing me just a fortnight after diagnosis.

Ed who stood as council candidate in Chiswick Riverside in the 2007 by-election, was invited to speak in front of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers at the NHS 60th birthday celebration at the close of conference on September 24.

Ed who recently graduated from Oxford University, also told the conference that he could not possibly have afforded to pay for the treatment himself.

Former nurse and Brentford & Isleworth representative, Anne Keen, said: "The NHS is Labour's proudest achievement. Ed's story is a heart-warming example of what the NHS does every day for thousands of people across the country."